Energizing Coffee Smoothie
Whether you want an extra energy boost in the morning, some pre-workout fuel, or a midday pick-me-up, this Energizing Coffee Smoothie will do the trick. Coffee combines with a balance of fiber, protein, and healthy fats to slow digestion, prevent sugar crashes, and provide long-lasting energy. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and full of delicious coffee flavor. Here are the flavor and nutrition highlights:
Coffee: If you’re a coffee lover, then here’s some good news: Coffee contains high amounts of antioxidants and does not appear to pose significant health risks. Instead, observational research supports claims that moderate coffee consumption (3-4 cups a day) may help prevent Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver disease. That being said, your daily cup of Joe becomes a little less nutritious if it’s loaded with sugar and heavy creams.
You’ll want to use cold coffee in this recipe, which you can do by: 1) refrigerating brewed coffee overnight (a great option if you always have leftover coffee from the morning) 2) using cold brew coffee or 3) freezing coffee in ice cube trays and adding the coffee ice cubes directly to the smoothie (this will make your smoothie extra thick).
Banana: Bananas add creamy texture, sweetness, and important nutrients like fiber, heart-health promoting potassium, and vitamin B6, which is essential for nervous system and metabolism health.
Oats: Make your smoothies extra filling by adding nutrient-dense oats. This whole-grain contains the soluble fiber beta-glucan, which helps feed beneficial gut bacteria, reduce blood sugar and insulin responses, and even reduces LDL and total cholesterol levels. Oats also pack in a number of important minerals like magnesium, iron, and zinc.
Almond Butter: High in healthy fats, almond butter helps make this smoothie extra satisfying and creamy. Feel free to swap almond butter with peanut butter if you prefer.
Protein powder: Protein powder (when made without unnecessary fillers and additives) is an easy way to balance out your smoothie with a little protein. Chocolate protein powder in this smoothie provides both protein and a slight chocolate flavor, but you could also substitute protein powder with other protein sources such as plain Greek Yogurt, hemp seeds, or silken tofu (just add 1 tbsp of cocoa powder if substituting chocolate protein powder).
Dates: Dates are a concentrated natural source of sugar perfect for adding a little extra sweetness. Turn this smoothie into a dessert by adding more dates.
Other possible additions:
Vanilla extract
Chia seeds or ground flaxseeds: Provide omega-3s and creamy, thick texture
Frozen cauliflower: Adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals and will help create a milkshake consistency
Energizing Coffee Smoothie
Serves 1
Ingredients:
1 cup coffee
1 frozen banana (add ice cubes if using a non-frozen banana)
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 tbsp almond butter
1 tbsp chocolate protein powder
1 date
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
